"and His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord"

The title of this blog is from Isaiah 11:1-11 preferable noting to verse 3a ... and the words below are from a little Advent time Lectio Divina suggested by The Transforming Center.

Meditation on the word that stuck out: Delight

Delight. His delight. Whose delight. Jesus. and me.

Jesus delighted in the Father. His Father. A hard concept to understand or wrap your head around. Jesus and His Father (God) are one. But that is not where I'm going with my thoughts, so I ask you to accept this doctrine IN faith.

A child delights as her creative mind takes something she sees on a television ad or in a newspaper store ad and thinks this something will bring her happiness, or fun, or hours of pleasure, and is 'sure' to satisfy. She thinks, "It's the Oh-O-O-O-O-NLY thing I want for Christmas."

But, we all know one thing for sure, any 'thing' only fills or satisfies for a little while.

But, delighting in the fear of the Lord is a forever thing. Even on this side of heaven.

God delights in His children, He knows every last thing about us, after all, he made us! And he called that creation "good."

But we spoiled it. Because of sin, in us and from us, there is a distance we cannot span to fully delight in the fear of the Lord, because the law brings only death. A gap we cannot attempt to fill with good things we do, the forever gap.

But Christ fills that distance perfectly. In fact, he full-filled (hope my scholarly friends do not cringe at that!) Christ the Lord, the babe we see in the straw. Born to live, to die, to rise. The manger and the empty tomb go hand in hand. It's the two places we peer in, to find Jesus. The baby, Emmanuel: God with Us, in our world, for us. Thirty years later, the man, and the message of the angel He is NOT HERE! HE IS RISEN! Our complete delight.

Prayer: Oh Lord, because of your great love and delight for me through the gift of your Son Jesus Christ I respond in thanksgiving and thanksliving. And that by Christ's redemptive blood, I can fully "delight" in your ways, here on earth and forever with You in eternity. In your precious name, Jesus. Amen.

LW hymn 392 with everyday 'ala Deb' language inserted ...

Oh that the Lord would guide my ways
To keep his statues still!
Oh that my God would grant me grace
To know and do His will.

I need you to guide me because I do not always
do the right thing, I need your love to show me
what you would have me do in all situations that
tempt me or when my mind is unclear and confused.

Order my footsteps by Your Word
and make my heart sincere;
Let sin have no dominion Lord,
But keep my conscience clear.

Help me to follow you with only Your Word as
my guide. Nothing from the world can take your place.
Keep my motivations pure. Do not let my flesh, this world,
or the devil have deceptive power over me.

Assist my soul, too apt to stray;
a stricter watch to keep;
If ever I forget your way,
Restore Your wandering sheep.

I wander so often, I look to things to fill me
to show me the right way. Keep my eyes focused in
your directions, and when I get off the path
find me and bring me back to you.

Make me to walk in your commands
a most delightful road;
Nor let my head or heart or hands
offend against my God.

See that my foot doesn't slip from your ways
on your solid ground I will find true freedom and joy.
See that any other part of my body, mind, and soul
does not bring offense to you, my Lord and my King.

Summer, swimming, Maddy and other hmmm...ings

This has been a different summer for me … I usually head to the lake often, but usually love it from the view of a chair on the beach and a good book in hand. But this year, I’ve found myself dropping my stuff off and before sitting down I head straight out into the water. Of course, the weather and the water is a lot warmer than usual, that may be less of a bother for me. But none-the-less, it’s been wonderful to not slow down or turn back and just swim.

Swimming is kind of a freeing feeling, and this year not with the usual wade on tiptoe … slowly up to my waist (yes, I’m one of those people you laugh at) and then hurry back to shore. But both feet flat on the lake floor, then dive in, soak it up, arms over head (you may still laugh at this picture). The kind of swimming that I always admired in Brian and the kids.

I surprise myself, wondering why swim this year? What is so different?

I’m older (maybe a little wiser/maybe not). But, maybe the circumstances surrounding Maddy’s illness with cancer and then subsequent death, maybe finding more about ‘being alive’ because of the lessons I learned from her life. One of those many lessons was to be fully in the moment. Surrendering to God in whatever comes your way. Perhaps, not wanting what seems ‘ordinary or everyday’ to pass by without notice. Maybe just wanting to live each day as God lays it out, not worrying about tomorrow (or my hair – after all Maddy had only begun to get hers back before she ‘went home’).

Honestly, I’m not as much concerned with the why’s anymore… having to have everything all figured out … but instead learning to go on faith, without knowing the whys, “seizing the day” with the Lord through what I would say the is one of the most difficult journey as a family we’ve taken so far.

This morning, I found myself in I Thessalonians 5. ^“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” Not easy all the time to give thanks ‘for’ all circumstances, but that is not what God’s Word says … it says ‘in’ all … big difference. Today, for me, that would be giving thanks that God is ‘in’ every moment with us - is present, shows up, and will be glorified – in all circumstances I/we am/are going through.

My prayer is that you will read God’s Word more frequently, understand it more deeply, come to know Him more closely (even through two letter words like ‘in’), love Him more dearly, and begin to share Him more freely. Sometimes, circumstances help us in ways we’d never ‘get it’ or to see Him so clearly at work in our lives and the lives of those we love . So my challenge to you very this day is just dive in, no matter what circumstances you are ‘in’, swim full out, no timid tiptoes, into the deep waters of God’s Word and trust Him in His promises – I pray He compels you to go for it. One thing I can tell you, for sure, - the ‘water’s’ just fine!

Struggling to Trust and Sunday's Scriptures

I'm struggling to trust God.

Oh, not everything, but some things.

The BIG things.
Sure I have questions, lots of them. So much has happened in the past few years.

But only one question really matters, one posed in the scriptures for this Sunday.
"Is anything too hard for God?"

Sure, I've heard the cliche' "God is bigger than my BIG things." I go to church, I work for the church, I pray, and I even sing songs that proclaim truth.

But ... do I still blow this trust thing? Does opportunity to learn to trust more pass me by without my notice? Do I miss out on what the Lord has for me, just because I can't get my mind and my heart to line up, to 'get my head' around it?

Faith. And another Bible verse rolls in. "Faith is not by sight." And I also remember, Faith doesn't follow feelings. Feelings follow Faith.

This Faith that I am talking about has its foundations on Truth.

And I have Faith. God bestowed it/gifted it to me upon my Baptism. And through His Holy Spirit He causes this Faith to grow. So today, maybe I can't get my head completely around it, and the BIG things haven't changed, and maybe I don't feel so strong in my faith or so trustingly in my Lord, but ... God promised it ... in His Word ... and that grace is enough for today to find this truth:

When Jesus gave Himself to the Cross, He died for me, offered all of Himself to get me right with God, to put my entire life together. Not just this part or that part. But all of it - my heart, my mind, my soul. Whole and holy in His presence.

I don't know about You, but I wouldn't walk away from a gift like that! No one in their right mind would. how could you say, nah, not today? Maybe later. How could you say no to this Man? For by Him, only Jesus, can you stay grounded and steady in that bond of trust.

Constantly tuned in to His Truth ... His Word.

Careful.

Not to be distracted or diverted.

These prayers are from the NIV Worship Bible (page 1588)
I am made complete in the One Who is completely God. I am possessed and embraced by the One in Whose nature is fullness of life and hope and peace. In You, Christ Jesus, Holy One, I am holy in You. Christ Jesus, Peace Maker, I am now reconciled to God. In You, Christ Jesus, Mystery of God, I am now hidden. Only in You is found this truth beyond imagination, this love beyond reason, this grace beyond measure. God is not ashamed of me! What rest, what joy, what unspeakable wonder is mine to know that because I am in You, Lord Jesus, God is proud to call Himself my Father.

(Page 1394)
I thank You that You are not a harsh task master. You did not save me to make me Your slave; nor must I try somehow to 'work off' my debt to You. You want me to serve You from the motivation of love rather than the obligation of duty. And love requires time alone together. Lord, help me to heed Your call to come away from the activities of the day and to sit quietly in your presence and commune with you.

Song by Jesus and Jami Smith :
Come Unto Me, all you who are weary
Come Unto Me, all you who need rest
Take up my Yoke, and learn all about Me
And I will give you rest.

Why do you linger?
Why do you wait?
You carry on without me.
I've always been here
but still you hesitate
I have much in store for you
if only.
You would ...

Come Unto me, all you who are weary
Come Unto me, all you who need rest
Take up My yoke and learn all about me
and I will give you rest.

Yes, and I will give you rest.
Sweet rest.
I will give you rest.

The God Who Sees

"You are the God who sees me." Genesis 16:13

Hagar got a bum rap. Servant girl turned concubine, outcast, mother of a trouble maker, etc. etc. Yet, she proclaims faith smack dab in the middle of her trouble with not a lot of promise in sight for anything different.

I wonder if I could do that, or better yet, if I do that?

By some definition, I would often say it's a "good day" when everything is orderly, doesn't rain, no surprises. But really who say what a good day is and what isn't?

Yes, there is a season for everything - even order - but maybe in the 'me-made' order I miss the joy and adventure that sponenaity provides ... or wishing for sunny skies I miss the opportunity to thank God for a bathroom roof that doesn't leak, or flowers that need the rain to bloom, or the wonderful way a rainy day can make you feel safe and protected while you are inside snuggled with your kids, a book, a cup of tea and a warm wrap. No surprises? All I can say is how boring is that! A twist in your day that turns into God-opportunities? Bring 'em on!

I'm sure that Hagar got more than one thing right in her lifetime - but in this story, as the Spirit moved her heart she embraced this God who is there in the troubled times, in the everyday, and in the good times.

Hey, think I'll take a lesson from that ... its gray outside again) but ... today I'll proclaim with Hagar of old "You are the God who see's me!" It's always a good day when You are in it! I think I'll surrender and see what God has in store - in this day!

A Good Leader is a Good Follower. AKA Playing By Ear.

Written for a church newsletter issue on Leadership:

As I was thinking of ideas on leadership for this article, my mind was drawn to many people I’ve watched, places I’ve been, and things I’ve heard and read over the years. I honestly can say, I would never have chosen the role of a leader, and for most of my life was never chosen as the leader.

My brothers, both great ball players, never picked me first for our backyard teams or to play an important position. I often was relegated as an outfielder and certainly not strategically placed in the batting lineup. I was usually first up and I know you can guess why. But I do remember surprising them by cracking the bat with a great fly ball over the centerfield’s head and once making a center court swish! The operative word here was ‘once.’

Growing up, I never made first string or even chamber choir. It didn’t bother me. I was content just getting to play the game or be part of the ‘mixed choir.’ But I do remember, sitting in the corner of the choir loft watching a young girl sing a beautiful solo at her brother’s baptism and thinking to myself how evident was her love for her brother and her Savior. In those moments, I heard the quiet gentle voice of the Lord saying, “You’re going do that for Me one day.” Today, I can still feel the excited beats of my heart and the grave fear that seized it the very next second. “Who me? I don’t read a lick of music, can’t play an instrument, I can only follow along with what I hear. Lord, but I do love the way music moves my soul.”

I guess to the Lord, that was all the criteria I needed to begin the journey. Putting away my ‘budding’ sports career, I stuck with singing. It was years before I actually ever sang ‘up front,’ and even years later before I had a solo line in a song. And honestly, I didn’t aspire to it, I didn’t even raise my hand when parts were given out. The only audience I ever had was my dog and one time the neighbor boy spied on me as I sang songs sitting on boxes in the carport the day before we moved 1,000 miles away. And that wasn’t very long, for when I spotted him I scurried down the boxes and out of sight, vowing to never open my mouth again!

But the Lord had other thoughts in mind.

I guess you could say that I did a lot of learning by following others. There was my piano extraordinaire Mom, and my Dad with a great voice, southern gospel singers, choir directors, and a friend - seeing my panic stricken face when the choir director decided he needed more altos than sopranos – who said, “Don’t worry I’ll teach you to sing harmony, just follow me.”

Today, I often lead worship but my greatest joy in leadership is watching a team giving their very best in worship to our Lord and encouraging them to grow in their love for Him and their leadership. No, I still don’t read music but I can find middle C. And I do still follow what I hear, and that is my Savior calling me on to continue listening and learning, to cheer fellow leaders in sharing their God-given gifts with others in this arena we call Worship Leading.

So here’s my leadership challenge to you today, “What is God whispering in your ear?”

Forgiveness - For Me????

This morning on the way to work (yep, same spot on Norvell Road) God nudged me to turn on the radio and Family Life Radio especially, which isn’t often my first choice. I haven’t listened to music in the car much lately … just relish the silence. For a minute I relented because the rest of my day would be filled with noise right up to hitting the pillow, but that nudge became very strong. Funny, when I did turn the radio on, the station was right there (usually its W4 Country).

First conversation was talking about bugs, then the news (some microwave oatmeal story – tastes better cooked for 25-30 minutes okay?!), then back to music. Casting Crowns. East to West. Especially these words … “But today I feel like I’m just one mistake away from You leaving me this way … In the arms of your mercy I find rest, ‘cause You know just how far the east is from the west. From one scarred hand to the other” all these years I’ve thought those lyrics were like placing my scars (consequences of sin) into his scarred hands … and this morning I saw/felt/understood/imagined and could feel the motion across my chest as the soldiers would have taken Christ’s arms and spread them on the cross, then the nails puncturing his wrists/hands making those scars … the pain, the angst, the Blood.

You can imagine the healing in tears, the forgiveness, and Pastor’s words from Sunday’s sermon came to me echoing Prof Shuta’s words from class time and time again, we just are to receive (this garment from Matthew 22:1-14), just receive, just receive … Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness, thy beauty are my glorious dress, ‘midst flaming worlds in these arrayed, with JOY shall I lift up my head. Oh how hard it is to stand at that place of unworthiness and look up into the loving face of Jesus, then fall into His arms, those arms that were stretched out for you and for me. Surrender.

Then a moment of doubt crept in, Lord, is your forgiveness really for me … I know it is for others … but is it really, really, really for me? There is just so much in all of this for me today, and a few lyrics from a song to jar me loose and send its message home to my heart. So very much. Thoughts from class came flooding in again, the purpose of God’s (My) Word … is to produce worship. Sixty-six love letters. Written by the hand of man, but by the very Breathe of God. And again, as your mind roles through word pictures of all the verses that you’ve ever read, perhaps memorized, the stories and once again I see the mystery, the awe of a God that would love me so much – ME full of sin, full of junk, full of selfishness, and full of nothing worthy of salvation.

Almost wiped the sweat from my brown and was thankful I made the move to turn the radio on this morning. Wow, what I would have missed.

Maybe some of these lyrics will bless you today as well. You can find them at http://artists.letssingit.com/casting-crowns-lyrics-east-to-west-xngr6x5

Grace and peace ... grace and peace to you this day.

What's Missing? Awe.

Good morning all … at least I think its morning. Maybe its my imagination, but this ‘morning’ seems darker than most! Here’s a big question all of us have been asking on and off in the past few years …. My professor asked it of us yesterday in class ….

Why does worship seem hard to get people involved, active, seemingly alive?

You can imagine that I sat up and took huge notice …. The ‘kids’ didn’t seem to have an answer, and I was certainly fishing for just one myself.

He went on to say, “Because its hard today to get people in ‘awe’ of anything.” He stopped so we could picture that in our minds eyes. My mind saw videos, flashing lights, ‘stuff’, then moved to the mundane daily grind before the ‘aha’ light went on. He went on to say, “We make God too familiar. Worship should take you out of the ordinary (it should be different than the everyday) and take you into the extraordinary.”

He left it right there and went on with “so what is the purpose of scripture?”

He didn’t wait for us to answer.

“Purpose of scripture is to draw us into worship.”

A lot fell into place with me, I’m sure its not the first time I’ve heard it from him, and honestly, I KNOW IT, but its often buried, so I took IT off the shelf and blew away the dust. This class has forced me to go beyond a daily routine of reading God’s word and worshipping … its like the top of my head has a new opening now … and I want to go outside of that box/skull. I want to know more. I want to know HIM more. Sound like a lyric line of a song?

“While we humans can never exhaust the complexity of God in whatever we say, nevertheless, on the basis of His self-revelation to us we can at least express what we do know of Him on that basis.” Shuta says this in every class in some form or fashion and at some point. Sometimes he stands there and says just two words, “exhaust, express” …. And we connect. And I think that we should ‘say’ those ‘words’ in someway, at some time, through our music and worship leading each and every week. Inspire awe.

I think I’m getting it. Five weeks, 15 hours of class time, the hours on homework is phenomenal, just 83 questions from this Tuesday to Thursday, and they ain’t just fill in the blank. Reading, reading, and reading some more. Then questions have five or six Bible verses to help you ‘find’ the answer, and the answer isn’t just one word. It’s a thought process. And well, you know what my thought processes are from experiencing Worship Updates often. It’s stretching me, I’ve gone from digging in, to frustration levels enough to want to quit, to digging back in, countless times, knowing it’s the Holy Spirit who is drawing me back in. So, I put my stake in the ground here and now and decided to stop counting and am working on getting ‘out of my head’ on this one … taking the journey.

I pray that you all, at some juncture of your life, decide to dig deeper. Ladies, there is opportunity right at your doorstep for two more weeks of Beth Moore study on Tuesday nights and Thursday mornings. Last night, I decided that I was truly designed for the Feast of Tabernacles. That’s all I want to say, other than Pastor and I are having discussions on something from this/like this for Lent. Men, work Adult Bible Class into your Sunday mornings when you are not scheduled and any other ways of connecting (www.allprodad.com). Team, let’s find ways of re-integrating the study of God’s Word into our ‘assemblies’ when we are together … let’s discover together how that can be best done. You won’t be sorry, oh, no. Not in the least.